TikTok without barriers: Oschadbank is a partner in a blogging course for teenagers with disabilities

Ukrainian teenagers with disabilities are invited to a free blogging course on TikTok—HIT (Hub of Inclusive TikTok). This is an educational space for teenagers aged 14–18 who want to learn how to shoot videos, blog, and be part of the inclusive TikTok community.

The project helps teenagers gain tools for self-expression, make the stories of people with disabilities visible, and shape a new generation of inclusive influencers.

HIT was created as part of UNICEF's “Children as Children” campaign with the support of Daria Gerasymchuk, Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Children's Rights and Rehabilitation, in partnership with the NGO “Vidchuy,” Oschadbank, and 1+1 media school.

"It is important that teenagers with disabilities have access not only to quality education but also to tools for self-expression. HIT breaks down barriers in perception and proves that every child has a voice and the right to be heard. We create a space where talents and dreams become visible, and personal stories inspire and change perceptions of possibilities," says Daria Gerasymchuk, Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Children's Rights and Rehabilitation.

What awaits participants:

• 4 months of free training with top bloggers and experts from 1+1 media school; all classes are accompanied by sign language interpretation;
• 12 online lectures and offline meetings;
• filming, editing, trends, and algorithms on TikTok;
• millions of video views and the opportunity to express yourself;
• peer support and a new community.

“For many years, we have been consistently developing inclusivity at Oschadbank, paying special attention to people with disabilities and veterans. One of the important steps was the ”My Accessibility" program, which helps create an accessible environment for all Ukrainians. The partnership with HIT is a natural continuation of this work, as we are convinced that there should be no barriers either in bank branches or on social media," comments Anton Tiutiun, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Oschadbank, responsible for retail business.

How can teenagers get into HIT?

• You must fill out an application form by August 27, 2025 https://forms.gle/7XhoBavmH6NpxvK88;  

• Pass an online interview with the project team;
• After a positive response, start training in October 2025.

The Inclusive TikTok Hub, HIT, is bringing teenagers together for training for the second time; last year, the project received over 200 applications to participate, and the videos created by participants during the course were viewed over 1.5 million times.

"Research shows that almost half of Ukrainians do not see people with disabilities in their everyday lives. This means that barriers still exist not only in the physical environment but also in perception. HIT contributes to the transformation of this situation by providing teenagers with disabilities with the chance to be visible, share their own narratives, and establish a new digital culture of equality," UNICEF further explains.

“HIT is a wonderful environment with mentors and coordinators, like an online school where they teach you how to create and run an inclusive TikTok. When you talk about your problems, they listen and help you!” say participants of last year's HIT.

"We believe that everyone should have access to quality education. That is why we support initiatives that help young people, especially those with disabilities, develop in the media sphere. Our goal is to create platforms where everyone can learn how to work with social networks, create video content, and implement their ideas," said Anastasia Kuzmenko, head of 1+1 media school.

Teenagers with disabilities aged 14–18 from all over Ukraine can apply to participate; applications are accepted on the website until August 27, 2025: https://forms.gle/7XhoBavmH6NpxvK88